Forest School Mentor – Kickapoo Valley Forest School

Position Title: Forest School Mentor 

Position Service Site: Kickapoo Valley Forest School (La Farge, WI)

Service Time: September 3, 2024 – May 30, 2025 (1,200 Hour AmeriCorps Term, 39 weeks, 35 hours per week)

Benefits: Living stipend total for whole term = $16,500 ($423.07 per week). Education Award of approximately $5,100 upon successful completion of service. To find out more about the Award: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award/find-out-more.

Requirement: Covid-19 Vaccine

OVERVIEW: The Kickapoo Valley Forest School (KVFS) will strive to create a child-centered, safe, inclusive, and sensory-rich environment in which children will learn and grow through play and exploration in the beautiful natural environment of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR). Our education philosophy is rooted in belief that child development is at its best when the whole child is honored, and that ‘play’ in a rich environment is the true work of the child. We also recognize that children are individuals whose interests, capacities and gifts demand that our teaching style and environment be accessible from many different points and levels of ability. Additionally, as humans we thrive in environments full of love, inspiration, wonder, connection and beauty.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION: The KVFS place-based curriculum is based on the experiences that the students encounter throughout the seasons. Enthusiasm and willingness to explore and learn along with the students is a quality we seek in the Forest School Mentor. The Forest School Mentor will work alongside dedicated teachers to help provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for our youngest learners. The Kickapoo Valley Forest School Mentor will work with the school daily during the school year.

RESPONSBILITIES:

Kickapoo Valley Forest School

• Oversee, guide and engage with students as they explore the natural world both individually and in small groups.
• Observe children as they play and engage in the natural world, listening to and learning about children through this play.
• Co-create and facilitate nature themed small group lessons, games and art projects.
• Support place-based curriculum led by teachers.
• Provide thoughtful, conscious supervision for students while outside in a variety of settings.
• Help facilitate student work time where students choose from a variety of activities on an individual basis
• Facilitate and tend to children’s needs while hiking for long distances.
• Help children maintain and put on outdoor clothing and gear.
• Remain outdoors for extended periods of time, in all weather conditions, and traverse rugged terrain.
• Show enthusiasm for being outside in all weather conditions and for the natural world.
• Model appropriate outdoor clothing choices.
• Participate in a high-energy and rigorous outdoor learning environment.
• Model age appropriate play and language.
• Model wonder at and respect for the natural world, helping children to do the same.
• Attend family events outside of school hours.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age requirement is 18 years old.
• Must have access to reliable personal transportation.
• Able to perform duties in inclement weather.
• Enthusiastic, creative and flexible.
• Outdoor recreation experience is a plus.
• Teaching experience is a plus.
• Withstand the physical demands of work which involves some lifting, carrying, bending, and hiking across uneven terrain.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
• Upon hire, a criminal background check will be conducted. Service with WisCorps will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed.

WisCorps provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran per applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to assuring equal employment opportunity and equal access to services, programs, and activities for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability, and need to access information in an alternative format, or need it translated into another language, please contact us at 608-782-2494, by email at staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.